in vitro

American  

[in vee-troh] / ɪn ˈvi troʊ /

adverb

1. (of a biological process) made to occur in a laboratory vessel or other controlled experimental environment rather than within a living organism or natural setting.

---

in vitro British  

/ ɪn ˈviːtrəʊ /

adverb

1. (of biological processes or reactions) made to occur outside the living organism in an artificial environment, such as a culture medium

---

in vitro Scientific  

/ ĭnvē′trō /

1. In an artificial environment, such as a test tube.

2. Compare in vivo

---

in vitro Cultural  

1. In the laboratory; literally, “in glass” (laboratory experiments are often carried out in glass containers). In vitro conditions are distinguished from conditions that actually apply in nature. (Compare in vivo.)

---

Discover More

In vitro appears in the expression in vitro fertilization , a way of producing human embryos in a laboratory.

Etymology

Origin of in vitro

First recorded in 1890–95; from Latin in vitrō, literally, “in glass”

Compare meaning

How does in-vitro compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• in vivo vs. in vitro

Example Sentences

In late 2023, CooperSurgical recalled three lots of embryo culture solution used for in vitro fertilization.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Right now, they are pursuing in vitro fertilization, which requires many doctor’s appointments.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Couples who plan to undergo in vitro fertilization are increasingly addressing custody of frozen embryos in prenups.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Last March, at a Women’s History Month event, President Donald Trump highlighted his record on women’s health, including support for in vitro fertilization, saying he’ll one day be known as the “fertilization president.”

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

When these failed, Dr. Rosen advised in vitro fertilization.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini